Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce
Introduction (Short)
Looking for a restaurant-quality seafood meal that’s simple and satisfying? These Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce are tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for special dinners, gatherings, or cozy evenings at home, this dish combines sweet crab meat with a buttery, garlicky sauce that’s irresistibly rich and comforting.
Ingredients
1 pound crab legs (fresh or thawed frozen)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of your choice)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use an oven thermometer if needed for accurate heating.
Make the butter sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
Prepare the crab legs:
Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in a baking dish. Avoid stacking them to ensure even cooking.
Coat with sauce:
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the crab legs, turning slightly to coat all sides.
Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce begins to bubble.
(If using large, thick crab legs, you may need an extra 2–3 minutes.)
Serve:
Remove from the oven, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve immediately with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How to Make (Step-by-Step Summary)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and seasoning.
Lay crab legs in baking dish.
Pour butter sauce over them.
Bake for 12–15 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the butter sauce.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the crab legs before baking.
Herb Lovers: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, or basil for a fragrant touch.
Creamy Upgrade: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese into the butter sauce before baking for extra richness.
Garlic-Lemon Boost: Add extra lemon zest and roasted garlic for deeper flavor.
Tips
Thaw frozen crab legs fully before baking for even heating.
Use fresh lemon juice—it gives the sauce a bright, clean flavor.
Don’t overbake! Overcooking can make crab meat rubbery.
Line your baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
Serve immediately while the butter sauce is hot and aromatic.
Conclusion (Short)
These Baked Crab Legs in a Creamy Butter Sauce bring restaurant-style flavor right to your table—easy, elegant, and bursting with buttery goodness. Whether for a family dinner or a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of tender crab soaked in golden garlic butter perfection!